discontinue

[ dis-kuhn-tin-yoo ]

verb (used with object)

, dis·con·tin·ued, dis·con·tin·u·ing.

1. to put an end to; stop; terminate:

   to discontinue nuclear testing.

   Antonyms: resume

2. to cease to take, use, subscribe to, etc.:

   to discontinue a newspaper.

3. Law. to terminate or abandon (a suit, claim, or the like).

verb (used without object)

, dis·con·tin·ued, dis·con·tin·u·ing.

1. to come to an end or stop; cease; desist.

discontinue

/ ˌdɪskənˈtɪnjuː /

verb

1. to come or bring to an end; interrupt or be interrupted; stop
2. tr law to terminate or abandon (an action, suit, etc)

Derived Forms

• ˌdisconˈtinuance, noun
• ˌdisconˈtinuer, noun
• ˌdisconˌtinuˈation, noun

Other Words From

• discon·tinu·er noun
• undis·con·tinued adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of discontinue¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Anglo-French discontinuer, from Medieval Latin discontinuāre. See dis- ¹, continue

Synonym Study

See interrupt.

Example Sentences

The problem is that his agenda, as articulated in Project 2025, wants to discontinue temporary worker visas.

From Salon

If so, then continue; if not, discontinue.

From Los Angeles Times

“We had to make difficult choices along the way regarding how and when to make changes to or discontinue certain products that the EPA identified as concerning. We always focused our decision-making process on implementing changes in a way that had the best interests of our enthusiast customers, distribution partners, and the environment in mind. Sometimes those were tough choices, which required immediate action in order to address EPA concerns.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Due to a continuing pattern of behavior and the mental health difficulties of our singer Perry Farrell, we have come to the conclusion that we have no choice but to discontinue the current US tour,” guitarist Navarro, bassist Avery and drummer Stephen Perkins said in a joint statement posted Monday on Instagram.

From Los Angeles Times

“Due to a continuing pattern of behavior and the mental health difficulties of our singer Perry Farrell, we have come to the conclusion that we have no choice but to discontinue the current US tour,” guitarist Navarro, bassist Eric Avery and drummer Stephen Perkins said in a joint statement posted on Instagram.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abandon
• break off
• cease
• give up
• halt
• interrupt
• quit
• suspend
• terminate